Australia: Spotlight on the Southwest

Perth promises you the best of both worlds where an abundance of natural wonders coexist harmoniously with the charms of urban life. Here, green spaces and pristine beaches vie with museums, galleries, and wineries – all within a short span of the city center. Through its crop of local musicians and artists, Perth shows that being geographically isolated from most other major Australian cities is not necessarily a disadvantage! This vibrant city has also been an inspiration to singers, novelists, and filmmakers from across the globe, who have featured it in their works. Home to people of diverse ethnicities, Perth has an exciting culinary scene which promises unique gastronomic experiences. From dining al fresco as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean to indulging your taste buds at the many chic eateries in the trendy part of town, the options are endless.

Discover the amazing natural and wildlife treasures of Rottnest Island on this tour. Come aboard the exciting Eco Express to take in the scenic beauty of Rottnest Island, ranging from picturesque bays to shining white beaches. Journey along a breathtaking coastline to catch glimpses of dolphin, osprey eagles and even humpback whales during season. Head to the Cathedral Rocks for views of the New Zealand Fur Seal colony and watch baby seals gamboling in the sun. Learn more about the precious marine ecosystem from your knowledgeable guide before you return with endearing memories and delightful pictures of Rottnest Island. (Full Day; Group Tour Activity & Transfer; Lunch Included)

Margaret River with its azure waters and sprawling vineyards is the quintessential country town. With two lighthouses bordering it from north to south, this charming town has tree-lined streets with quaint boutique stores. A well-laid out park with a picturesque footbridge completes the picture of serene beauty. Tucked into the southwest corner of the country, this popular surfer spot turns into a hub of activity on weekends with tourists all around. Apart from the sandy beaches, natural limestone caves, walking and cycling trails all make for some outdoor fun. Meanwhile, the large number of wineries and breweries in the area ensure that there is never a dearth of excellent wines and craft beers for you to sample here. From heritage villas to beachfront resorts and contemporary hotels, the accommodation options are aplenty.

Pemberton is a tiny adventure town in Western Australia, surrounded by several of the country’s remote national parks like the Gloucester National Park, the Greater Beedelup National Park, and the Big Brook State Forest. The town’s spectacular natural landscapes offer several outdoor sports like mountain biking and canoeing. The area is famous for its tall karri trees with numerous hiking tracks and forest trails crisscrossing the wildernesses. The towering Gloucester Tree within the Gloucester National Park is a popular lookout point with spectacular views of the surrounding forested landscape. The Cascades Waterfall and the pristine rapids at Lefroy Brook are both worth a visit. Once an old sawmilling town, the Pemberton Museum showcases the settlement’s history. Pemberton is also known for its local wineries producing delicious chardonnay and pinot noir, among other wines.

Explore the exotic wilderness of Australia's Southwest in this stunning eco-adventure tour! Drive through the old-growth Warren National Park and witness its majestic Karri trees from the comfort of a modern 4WD car. Revel in the beautiful sight of the seasonal wildflowers blooming along the way. Head through the D’Entrecasteaux National Park to the scenic and stunning Yeagarup Dunes, one of the largest dune systems in the world. Enjoy the thrilling drive over the shifting dunes till you reach the mouth of Warren River, which opens up to an exquisite view of the coastline near Pemberton. Take a relaxing stroll down Warren Beach for a perfect end to this interpretive tour through the many diverse landscapes of the Southwest region. (Half Day; Group Tour Activity in a Small Group; Fitness Level: Easy; Don't forget your cameras and binoculars)

Albany is a lovely port city in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. Part of the traditional lands of the local Aboriginal, Minang Noongar and Wagyl Kaip people, Albany is the state’s oldest European settlement from the early 1800s. It is worth taking a walking tour of the old colonial quarters with its genteel historical ambiance. The bustling waterfront, currently part of a smart redevelopment plan, is fun to hang around. Cruise boat rides along Albany’s remarkable coastline is a popular activity for taking in the beautiful coastal cliffs, the many white-sand beaches like Middleton Beach and the calm waters of King George Sound. Old Albany was also synonymous with whaling, but today the deep-sea giants pass along the nearby Torndirrup National Park on their annual migratory paths. Whale sighting trips near the national park is a popular pursuit. The town’s historic whaling station also houses a museum today.

Discover the colorful history of the Great Southern Region of Australia with a local expert. Head to the lush peak of Mt. Clarence and take in the stunning views of King George Sound, Princess Royal Harbour and the City Centre of Albany from the Padre White Lookout. Visit the National Anzac Centre and learn about its commemorative significance to Australia. Through its multimedia, interactive technology and historical artifacts, let Albany come to life before your eyes while you learn about its rich past of whalers, warships, sculptures, explorers, and entrepreneurs. Relax with a cup of coffee at the Middleton Beach before stopping to see the quaint Patrick Taylor Cottage Museum. Your tour ends with a visit to The Brig Amity at the Historic Precinct and a commentary on its fascinating maritime past. (Half Day; Shared Activity in a Large Group; Shared Transfers; Entry Fees, Snacks & Refreshments are included; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness Level: Easy; Don't forget your camera & binoculars)

Esperance is a scenic beach resort town that lies on the Bay of Isles along the southern coast of Western Australia. Part of the traditional land of the Aboriginal Wudjari people, the town’s white-sand beaches are washed by the clear blue waters of the Great Australian Bight. The town’s laidback air draws weekenders and surfers to its sunny seaside. Popular beaches include the Blue Haven, while West Beach is favored by surfers. Esperance also forms an excellent base for exploring remote national parks like Cape Le Grand National Park and the Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve, along with smaller reserves like the Woody Lake and Mullet Lake Nature Reserves. The Cape Le Grand National Park is also famous for its beaches, heathlands, and wildflowers. The well preserved natural landscapes of the 105 islands of the Recherche Archipelago offer wonderful opportunities for spotting fur seals, penguins and a wide variety of seabirds.

Discover Esperance at your own leisurely pace. You could spend the day exploring some of Australia’s best beaches along the town’s scenic coastline. Go swimming, snorkeling and surfing, or soak up the sun on the pristine sand. At Lucky Bay, share the beach with sunbathing kangaroos, or try dolphin-spotting at Twilight Beach. With five national parks close to town, there is no dearth of outdoor pleasures to be had, with recreational fishing and hiking at the top of the list. Set off along the Great Ocean Drive and capture splendid images of the dramatic landscape. Walk amid slabs of local pink granite at the Esperance Stonehenge, a full-size replica of the original Stonehenge. Back in town, visit the Cindy Poole Glass Gallery, known for its collections of kiln-formed glass artwork and jewelry. Sample fresh seafood at one of the beachside eateries before you wrap up your day. (Duration: full day; Self-explore activity; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy)

Hyden is a laidback little bush settlement that lies to the East of Perth along the Brookton Highway. Part of the golden outback, Hayden’s claim to fame is its proximity to Western Australia's Wave Rock, a colorful weather-sculpted granite cliff shaped like a massive wave, created millions of years ago. Hiking along the many foot trails to the top of Wave Rock is a popular activity, especially at sundown when the landscape turns into a riot of gold and ochre. Chopper rides are also available for aerial views of this unique natural rock formation. Come spring, and this rugged outback country is awash with wildflower blooms of many hues. The area is home to nearly 40 species of exotic birds. The Aboriginal art found in the nearby Mulka’s Cave is among the best in the region, depicting over 450 ancient rock paintings telling us about local legends. Hyden's wildlife park is a good place to spot koalas and rare white kangaroos, among other marsupials.

Witness the wild beauty of the 50-foot tall Wave Rock! Located inside the Hyden Wildlife Park in Perth, the iconic rock is a point of cultural significance to the Ballardong people of Western Australia. Walk across the magnificent and prehistoric rock formation which is shaped like a tall, breaking ocean wave. Listen to the wind pass through the trees as you stroll through a carpet of blooming wildflowers dotting the terrain. See the colorful etchings on the rock, which is believed to be 2.63 billion years old. Soak up the natural landscape as you climb to the top and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside replete with majestic forests and bushes. Afterward, buy yourself a delicious meal in the charming town of Hyden. (Half Day; Self-Explore Activity & No Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses and sun hat. Please note wildflower season is from Sept-Nov)

Perth promises you the best of both worlds where an abundance of natural wonders coexist harmoniously with the charms of urban life. Here, green spaces and pristine beaches vie with museums, galleries, and wineries – all within a short span of the city center. Through its crop of local musicians and artists, Perth shows that being geographically isolated from most other major Australian cities is not necessarily a disadvantage! This vibrant city has also been an inspiration to singers, novelists, and filmmakers from across the globe, who have featured it in their works. Home to people of diverse ethnicities, Perth has an exciting culinary scene which promises unique gastronomic experiences. From dining al fresco as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean to indulging your taste buds at the many chic eateries in the trendy part of town, the options are endless.